I decided that after two years of software engineering, I'll take a stab at law school. I took the LSAT some time ago and landed in the mid 160s. I will definitely retake, but I need $$$$ in order to go. Here's my situation:

northwood wrote:you need to get a score that is above the schools 75% ( or close to it, but above the median)

In my situation, I'm pretty much at 25% for Cornell and a little above that for GULC in terms of GPA. Would a score simply a point above the 75% really offset that deficiency for scholarships?

It really seems to me that although law school admissions is almost entirely based on numbers, but when it comes to scholarships, softs and PS seems to matter a lot. But do law schools really care if I served as a student business organization's president as an undergraduate (I also spent several semesters working my way up as well)? Because honestly, these student organizatonal activities are a complete joke compared to an actual job.

some schools use a formula to determine scholarships. Others use a more holistic method. Its hard to predict, and hard to guess which schools use what. Stregnthen your application all the way around, and send it in as early as possible. ( before thanksgiving)

I edited my post stating that if I receive at least 45K, then I'd be willing to go that school.

northwood wrote:some schools use a formula to determine scholarships. Others use a more holistic method. Its hard to predict, and hard to guess which schools use what. Stregnthen your application all the way around, and send it in as early as possible. ( before thanksgiving)

The great thing about being out of school is that my full transcript can be reflected (my grade trends improved significantly post sophomore year), and I can pretty much apply as early as October after taking the September LSAT.

On top of strengthening my application, would talking about my interest in (1) combining my technical background with law and (2) mentioning my need for a scholarship help my chances for a scholarship?

cornell and GULC generally don't give out much money compared to the other t14s. i know cornell pairs its merit aid with need, and i know GULC gives out big PI program scholarships, but i have never heard of GULC giving out big money to anyone else

negotiating honestly all depends on your application and where and when you negotiate. If you use peer schools with better offers ( or better ranked ones) then you may get an increase. However, its a crapshoot. Worst case scenario is they tell you no-. You wont lose an offer, unless you are extremely rude.

I never really thought UVA was all that special, and given how selective they are with their out-of-state admissions process, I probably wouldn't apply. I prefer Michigan, which also looks easier to get money from.

EdmundBurke23 wrote:does anyone think that applying early helps in obtaining a scholarship? i never really thought about getting scholarships, but the idea is definitely beginning to sprout in my head.

Yes, without a doubt. Scholarships are like admission slots -- there are more available earlier in the cycle.

EdmundBurke23 wrote:does anyone think that applying early helps in obtaining a scholarship? i never really thought about getting scholarships, but the idea is definitely beginning to sprout in my head.

Yes, without a doubt. Scholarships are like admission slots -- there are more available earlier in the cycle.

Agreed. But do you think there is any merit to the argument that you can get additional money after the seat deposit deadline because money previously allocated to accepted students will open up if they do not put down the deposit and decide not attend (or students who withdrew)?